Remote control system and a method of control

Abstract

A remote control system and a method of control. The system includes a control module that facilitates execution of a set of functions, a remote control device that wirelessly communicates with the control module, and an input signal. The input signal is provided to the control module and includes data that is associated with ambient lighting. Polling of the remote control device by the control module is deactivated for a subset of the set of functions when the data is indicative of sufficient ambient lighting.

1 . A remote control system, comprising:
 a control module that facilitates execution of a set of functions;   a remote control device that wirelessly communicates with the control module; and   an input signal that is provided to the control module, the input signal including data that is associated with ambient lighting;   wherein polling of the remote control device by the control module is deactivated for commands associated with a subset of the set of functions when the data is indicative of a sufficient level of ambient lighting.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein polling of the remote control device by the control module is activated for commands associated with a subset of the set of functions when the data is not indicative of a sufficient level of ambient lighting. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the remote control device is a key fob. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the input signal is provided by a light sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the input signal is provided by a clock. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the remote control device is a passive entry key fob and the control module is disposed on a vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the input signal includes data that is wirelessly communicated to the vehicle. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the data is indicative of a time of day. 
     
     
         9 . A method of control for a remote control system, the method comprising:
 providing a remote control and a control module that wirelessly communicates with the remote control;   providing data indicative of ambient lighting to the control module; and   disabling a polling strategy when the data is indicative of sufficient ambient lighting.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising enabling the polling strategy when the data is not indicative of sufficient ambient lighting. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the data is based on a time of day. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the data is provided by a light sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the control module is disposed on a vehicle and the data is transmitted to the vehicle from a source other than the remote control. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the polling strategy is associated with a subset of a set of functions, wherein the subset includes at least one of operation of a vehicle lighting system, actuation of a window, and positioning of a seat. 
     
     
         15 . A method of control for a remote control system, comprising:
 providing a key fob and a control module that wirelessly communicates with the key fob;   providing data associated with ambient lighting to the control module;   disabling a polling strategy executed by the control module to reduce power consumption by the control module when the data is indicative of a sufficient level of ambient light; and   enabling a polling strategy when the data is not indicative of a sufficient level of ambient light.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the data associated with ambient lighting is provided by a light sensor disposed on a motor vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein enabling the polling strategy further comprises executing a function based on a command signal transmitted from the key fob to the control module when the command signal is indicative of a function requested by a user. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein enabling the polling strategy further comprises executing a function when the key fob is within a predetermined range of the control module. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the data associated with ambient lighting is provided by at least one of a cell phone, a radio, a global positioning system, or a clock. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein enabling the polling strategy further comprises activating a light when the key fob is within the predetermined range of the control module.